Skip to main content
Penn State New Kensington
Hotline Visit Apply
  • Academics
    • Academic Programs
    • Academic & Career Success Center
    • G.R.E.A.T. Program
    • Honors Program
  • Admissions & Financial Aid
    • Visit Us
    • Apply
    • First-Year Students
    • Transfer Students
    • Adult Students
    • Scholarships & Awards
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Health Services
    • Student Events Calendar
  • Information For
    • Prospective Students
    • Transfer Students
    • Incoming Students
    • Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Parents & Families
    • Professional Development
    • Alumni & Friends
    • Visitors
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State New Kensington
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Hotline Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State
    • About Us
    • Campus Leadership
  • Academics
    • Academic Programs
    • Blissell Library
    • G.R.E.A.T. Program
    • Honors Program
    • Registrar
    • Academic & Career Success Center
    • Undergraduate Research
    • 2+2 Plan
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • First-Year Students
    • Transfer Students
    • Adult Students
    • Veteran Students
    • Accepted Students
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Apply for Financial Aid
    • Scholarships & Awards
  • Student Life
    • Academic & Career Success Center
    • Athletics
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Counseling Services
    • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • Food Services & Off-Campus Housing
    • Health Services
    • Lion's Pantry
    • Police & Public Safety
    • Student Care & Crisis Information
  • Continuing Education
  • Athletics

Find Information For:

  • Prospective Students
  • Transfer Students
  • Incoming Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Parents & Families
  • Professional Development
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Visitors

Helpful Links

  • Academic Calendars
  • Campus Directory
  • Campus Map
  • Delay & Closing Information
  • Give to New Kensington
  • PSUAlert
  • Penn State Bookstore
  • Penn State Careers

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • youtube
  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Nursing (RN to BSN)

FAQs about the Nursing Program

Evaluating Your Readiness for entering the RN to BSN Program

Here are the answers to some common questions about the RN to BSN program at Penn State New Kensington. Please contact us if your questions about our program are not answered below.

How do I get admitted?

You can start the application process online, or, if you have questions, you can contact our Admissions Office. In addition, you will have to submit official transcripts from all educational institutions previously attended. To speak with the Nursing Program Coordinator at Penn State New Kensington, please call 724-334-6725 or email [email protected]. 

Do I have to have a physical examination for admission?

No.

Do I get credit for my registered nursing program?

Yes. You receive 33 credits by portfolio for the nursing portion which are granted to all incoming students. No challenge examinations are required for the granting of credits.

Do courses taken at other colleges/universities transfer into the program?

Yes. Penn State will consider for transfer all college credits earned at another accredited institution. Students must supply an official transcript and have earned a "C" or better to have credits considered for transfer. 

Are courses offered in the evening?

The majority of the Nursing courses are offered in the evening on Wednesdays via Hybrid (meeting in class and online). Nursing electives are offered online.

Can someone help me to plan my program of studies?

Yes. Contact us to make an appointment to meet with an advisor. 

While enrolled at Penn State New Kensington, can I take any courses at another college/university?

Yes, as long as 36 of your last 60 credits are Penn State credits.

Do I have to take a math course?

Yes. The required math course has a number of 017 (Finite Mathematics) or above. For example, a course commonly taken to meet this requirement is Math 021 (College Algebra I).

Do I have access to computer use while I am enrolled?

Yes. Each Penn State student pays a student fee each semester and is issued an Access Account ID. You will have access to the internet as well as many software programs through your Penn State computer account. Many Penn State courses utilize the computer to complete course requirements. 

Besides nursing, what required courses am I likely to have completed in my basic nursing program?

Courses most likely to have been completed within your basic nursing program are: Psychology (3 credits), Sociology (3 credits), Microbiology (4 credits), Human Growth and Development (3 credits), Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits), Chemistry (3 credits) and Nutrition (3 credits).

How long will it take me to complete the program?

The program can be taken at an individual pace, so that, the time varies with each student. Nursing courses can be completed in one year, if the student enters in the Fall semester. The total program can be completed in three academic semesters and one summer session depending on the number of general education requirements that are completed.

How are clinical experiences conducted?

Students choose to complete a project in nursing of interest to them. Clinical experiences are planned by the student and are conducted with a preceptor/mentor and faculty member. The preceptor/mentor must meet The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing guidelines for preceptorship. 

How can I use my transfer credits and create a schedule?

The Nursing curriculum allows students to build upon previous knowledge as they progress in the program. Penn State will consider for transfer all college credits earned at another accredited institution. You and your adviser will meet to plan your course of study.

Nursing (RN to BSN)

  • Becoming a Registered Nurse
  • Why Penn State Nursing at New Kensington?
  • Contact Us
  • Degree Information
  • Faculty
  • General Information
  • FAQs about the Nursing Program
  • Program Accreditation
  • Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Map of the campuses of Penn State throughout Pennsylvania highlighting the location of Penn State New Kensington

Penn State New Kensington

Enjoy the benefits of a small campus environment with the resources of a large research University.  We are only 17 miles from downtown Pittsburgh and all of the sports, arts, and cultural events it offers.
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • youtube
Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State
    • About Us
    • Community Outreach
    • Campus History
    • Employment and Jobs
  • Academics
    • Blissell Library
    • Degrees & Majors
    • Global Programs
    • Special Programs
    • Undergraduate Research
  • Admission
    • Apply to Penn State
    • Enrollment Services
    • Take a Virtual Tour
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Tuition & Fees
    • Contact Financial Aid
  • Student Life
    • Career Services
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Student Services
    • Safety & Security
  • Continuing Education
    • Contact Continuing Education
    • Request Information
  • Visit Us
    • Campus Map
    • Contact Us
    • Directions
    • Parking
  • Campus Directory
    • All Faculty & Staff
    • Faculty
    • Staff
Penn State University
3550 Seventh Street Road, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068-1765 724-334-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • The Pennsylvania State University © 2023
  • We Are Penn State